do i need b-12 ?

[tryinghard101]

just wondering would i need to take b12 to help with my gains, im allready takeing protain, HMB, fishoiland vits, my aim is to bulk up and will be adding crataine soon, but a friend of mine was sayin g that i should add some b-12 to my deit. Is this needed?

[Tom Mutaffis]

I would not consider B-12 'essential' for bulking. Are you sure that your friend was not joking when he told you that?

B-12 is typically used for energy support and is either taken sublingualy or through injections. It can be effective but there are plenty of other options out there for energy support.

Since you did mention creatine - I would recommend picking up "creapure" creatine monohydrate. It is a potent and cost effective creatine; you can purchase a 3 month supply for less than $15 here -> Creatine 500 (http://atlargenutrition.com/nutrition_detail.php?products_id=3&osCsid=dae44ca78d0737bd92bea00233bc3746).

[skinny99]

I have been taking b-12 orally for about 4 months and just started taking Creatine 500. Any reason to keep or quit taking the b-12?

[tryinghard101]

[QUOTE=Tom Mutaffis;2214335]I would not consider B-12 'essential' for bulking. Are you sure that your friend was not joking when he told you that?

B-12 is typically used for energy support and is either taken sublingualy or through injections. It can be effective but there are plenty of other options out there for energy support.

ya he said he was using it will he was bulking????? but i have read a bit on itsince my last post and see what you mean
that looks like a good brand of cratine, i was allso thinking about getting a weight gainer with it, would there be any other supes that i need to bulk up a bit?

thanks

[Tom Mutaffis]

ya he said he was using it will he was bulking????? but i have read a bit on itsince my last post and see what you mean
that looks like a good brand of cratine, i was allso thinking about getting a weight gainer with it, would there be any other supes that i need to bulk up a bit? thanks

I would not worry about the B-12 for now; your friend may be talking about taking dessicated liver tablets which are a source of amino acids and B-vitamins - but that is not a supplement that I would consider useful.

High calorie shakes or "weight gainers" can be helpful if you are not eating enough, but you also have to be careful as many of these products contain low quality protein and/or a lot of sugar with little to no fiber.

Your best bet in terms of shakes would be a good high quality protein shake. If you wanted to boost the calories of your shakes you can add heavy cream, whole milk, peanut butter, or fruit. For actual products I have been using Nitrean and it is a good product for post-workout, bedtime, or between meals. Since it is a protein blend and is mostly isolates you can drink larger shakes without stomach discomfort.

This would be a good starter stack:


Creatine 500- Take 5 grams daily with simple sugars. Three month supply for $14.50.
Nitrean - Picked as the #1 Protein by Men's Health in 2008 and 2009. Drink shakes as needed to supplement daily intake and for PWO nutrition. 33 servings for $29.95.


You can read more about the products at www.atlargenutrition.com

Let me know if you need help with your diet and training. You should be able to make some great gains as long as all factors are in place (diet, training, rest, supplements).

[tryinghard101]

hi, tom thanks for all the info u really no your stuff. i could use some help with my deit and traning. will i throw them up hear?

thanks again tom for your help

[Sean S]

If you're already taking a multivitamin and eat animal products, extra B-12 is unlikely to be of any benefit. The populations really at risk for B-12 deficiency are strict vegetarians and the elderly.

[weasel]

I , as well as my spotter, actually noticed nice boost from our B12 injections

http://www.animalhealthexpress.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_45_118&products_id=2787

http://www.animalhealthexpress.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_36&products_id=1417

I mean it may not be for everyone , and currently I'm kinda cycling it and haven't taken in a few weeks , but it's not to expensive and works for energy. I don't see where it would really give you weight gains although it does aid in overall feeling throughout the day and even in the gym.

[thewicked]

absolutely..

b12 and others in the complex are must haves for nervous system health....just like a car...when the electrical system doesn't work..the mechanical or driving part doesn't happen!

[Skalami]

i was listening to Dr.Dean on the radio some lady called in asked about B12 shots. he said for most people its worthless. The stuff comes out in a bright red liquid and its more of a placebo effect. He said for few people that have some sort of defeincy it would help but for the majority it wont do anything.

That said i take a multi-B vitamin before working out w/ fish oil... not sure if it does anything. Maybe i'll stop and see if i notice anything.

[Tom Mutaffis]

I , as well as my spotter, actually noticed nice boost from our B12 injections

http://www.animalhealthexpress.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_45_118&products_id=2787

http://www.animalhealthexpress.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_36&products_id=1417

I mean it may not be for everyone , and currently I'm kinda cycling it and haven't taken in a few weeks , but it's not to expensive and works for energy. I don't see where it would really give you weight gains although it does aid in overall feeling throughout the day and even in the gym.

The original post asked about B-12 for bulking, not for energy. You are correct that it can be used for energy support but it is a pretty extreme way to go about getting a slight boost. You could simply take some caffeine and is most cases would have better results for a fraction of the price.

You also risk the potential of an infection or abscess if you are using vet grade products instead of human grade. The human grade injectables are much more expensive and cose roughly $2/ml as opposed to the $.05 that the veterinary products cost. This can leave you susceptable to muscle tears as well.

[thewicked]

tom's right...

outside of just taking a pill from the store or getting it via a physician (which some of my clients due and it shows obvious increase in ENERGY levels...) there's no reason to get vet grade, etc. You're just asking for trouble.

B-12 and the like are found in most multi-vitamins. Is it needed to bulk? Well yes and know.. your body will be more effecient which in the long haul will aid in getting bigger but will you see any sort of effect outside of maybe a boost in energy? Slim to none chance..

[weasel]

I said "I don't see where it would really give you weight gains" in my post.

Haven't noticed any difference between the human grade and vet. grade. We keep everything alcohol to sterilized and haven't had any issues at all we have even done doses a couple hours before games, and on the caffeine yes I take it as well 200-300mg. as for the pills I have B12 pills as well but the difference in gained energy is enormous in my case and it last for up to a couple weeks.

like mentioned I don't see where it would help any on bulking unless you were suffering in the weight room due to a B12 deficiency or lack of energy.